The studio-based show reunited the original cast, seen together on the small screen for the first time since 2010’s final episode, to go over some classic clips and generally indulge in a bit of puerile silliness.

However, devotees were left short-changed by the special. And now The Inbetweeners’ stars are responding.

‘Peter Andre turned up ffs’

Presided over by host Jimmy Carr, fans attacked the show for its “cringe interviews”, the fact “you could tell no one wanted to be there”, and bizarre celebrity guests.

The cast – and their ill-fated ‘pulling machine’ – were back. But laughs were thin on the ground (Photo: Channel 4)

“Peter Andre turned up ffs think that explains everything wrong with it!” wrote one user on Twitter.

It didn’t help that many fans mistakenly thought the special would be a new episode of The Inbetweeners.

“Was expecting a new, two hour long episode of The Inbetweeners,” one fan posted. “2019 ruined already.”

“Slightly gutted,” said another, “thought this Inbetweeners was new episodes, not this sh**e.”

#Sorry

In the wake of the criticism, James Buckley, who played Jay in the show, apologised to fans.

“Feeling pretty hated right now,” he wrote in a tweet. “I’m sorry to anyone who feels let down with last night’s show. I’m especially upset as it really is the fans that made The Inbetweeners a success, it certainly wasn’t me.”

Feeling pretty hated right now. Im sorry to anyone who feels let down with last nights show. Im especially upset as it really is the fans that made the inbetweeners a success, it certainly wasnt me. I might do an explanation video on my YT, or might just leave it & move on #sorry

Responses to Buckley’s tweet seemed to point the majority of the blame towards host Jimmy Carr, who one fan said “ruined it”.

“It wasn’t your fault,” said journalist and broadcaster Pete Paphides. “Jimmy Carr didn’t seem to be able to differentiate between you guys and your characters. I think we all just wanted to watch you guys get back together, but without JC in the mix.”

Others were also positive, including Robert Webb, who said: “James mate, the Star Wars Summertime Special didn’t bear much resemblance to Star Wars. Proper fans understand the difference. Never mind the hate – here’s some love you great wally xxx”

‘2019 off to a good start’

“Bad host and bad format,” replied one fan. “The four of you driving in the Fiat and visiting the school was great. That’s what the fans want, not that shiny pillock talking over the four people we tuned in to see. Not the cast’s fault.”

“Should’ve just been an episode with just you four talking about the experience of The Inbetweeners,” said another. “No need for Jimmy Carr, and no need for the random awards.”

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